Low Medical Assistant Pay?

I wish I had a dollar for every medical assistant who tells me that one of their biggest gripes is the relatively low pay they receive. They feel their pay is too low for what they do, which is frustrating to them. If a medical assistant states: "I am not happy with my pay!" I cannot help but ask: "How much do you make and could there be something that's holding you back?"

Change Your Belief, or Change Your Profession!

That my sound extreme, but as in any other occupation the medical assistant salary is commensurate with the person's level of education, training, certification and years of experience. I cannot emphasize it enough: employers, in this case often doctors, select suitable candidates not only by their training and skill level, but also by how much (or should I say, how LITTLE) they are able to get away with in paying them.

Wages & Employment Trends

National Median wages (2008) = $13.60 hourly
Employment (2006) = 417,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) = Much faster than average (21% or higher)
Projected need (2006-2016) = 199,000 additional employees

Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data 2006-2016 employment projections

Realize, that when it comes to your pay you are NOT helpless! Nor is the situation hopeless. "How can I compete with the rest and prove that I am the most qualified candidate for the position during the job interview?" While you may not (yet) have years of experience under the belt, you certainly have already shown that you are serious and dedicated to your profession and future. After all, if you have solid training, job experience and credentials you have an advantage when it comes to wages, landing the better positions and getting promotions—simply by having distinguished yourself from the rest. Of course, you will also have a valuable tool to negotiate during the job interview.

Use Your Credentials to Pave the Way!

During the interview it's only you with the interviewing panel and the decision makers. Who will speak on your behalf? Tell them that you are certified and up to date with your knowledge and skills.

Last but not least:

Specialize in a Specialty Field or Office

Doctors in a specialty pay more than a family practice. If you work for a medical specialist, let's say in orthopedics, podiatry, chiropractic, or asthma and allergy, to name just a few, then chances are you will have additional duties and responsibilities, such as giving injections, applying, maintaining and monitoring special medical equipment and devices and perhaps taking x-rays. In order to do this kind of work you need special training and possibly special licenses (such as a limited x-ray license) on top of your general administrative and clinical duties. Such highly specialized skills justify better than average pay. Most specialists appreciate their medical assistants willingness to go the extra mile and are willing to reward them accordingly.

For any questions regarding earnings, wages and job trends contact:

U.S. Department of Labor
Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210

* FLSA stands for Fair Labor Standards Act